Benedict College Achieves Historic 104% Surge in Four-Year Graduation Rates

Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, is setting a new standard for excellence in the HBCU community with an extraordinary 104 percent increase in its four-year graduation rates. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the institution's unwavering commitment to student success and transformational leadership.

The progress is nothing short of stunning when examining the historical context. Between 2007 and 2017, Benedict College's four-year graduation rate averaged just 13.7 percent. Through strategic investments in academic programs and data-driven support services, the institution has dramatically reversed this trend.

Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough of the UNCF praised the leadership of President Artis and her dedicated staff, emphasizing that these results prove the institution is a premier investment for philanthropic partners. The achievements are especially impressive given the college's limited financial resources.

This achievement reflects the dedication of the faculty, staff, and the vibrant community. Greater support will lead to even more 'eye-popping' results for the HBCU community.

Dr. Janeen P. Witty highlighted that wrap-around services and professional development initiatives have been key drivers of success.

Innovation During Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but Benedict College met the moment with innovative solutions. The institution implemented virtual academic support, course-sharing partnerships, and utilized CARES Act funding to protect vulnerable students from dropping out. These interventions helped students maintain momentum during national uncertainty.

The results now speak for themselves. Benedict College's recent cohorts are nearing parity with the national four-year graduation average for Black students of 29.7 percent — a remarkable achievement considering that 85 percent of Benedict's student body is Pell-dependent or first-generation.

Even more impressive, the six-year graduation rate for the 2021-2025 cohort exceeds the national average by 2.7 percent. The current three-year mean surpasses the previous ten-year average for six-year graduation rates, demonstrating sustained institutional transformation.

Dr. Yohannis Job affirmed that the college is "moving the needle" in a positive direction, reinforcing Benedict's role as a national leader among HBCU institutions. The institutional culture has shifted significantly since initiatives launched in 2017, with every new cohort advancing the mission to educate, empower, and elevate.

Benedict College's story is one of resilience and academic triumph, proving what HBCUs can accomplish with strategic vision, dedicated leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.